A joint operation by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Edo State Command, and military personnel has led to the destruction of two cannabis plantations measuring 0.544092 hectares, with an estimated yield of 1,360.23kg.

Also, 107kg of processed cannabis, including cannabis seeds, were destroyed in Eko Camp, Illushi, located in the Esan South-East Local Government Area of the state.

Edo NDLEA Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, who disclosed this in a statement on Monday, said the operation was undertaken on September 23, 2026.

He said two male suspects, Ajeh Egwuda, 43, and Nonso Ajodhe, were apprehended during the operation, adding that both suspects hail from the Esan South-East Local Government Area of the state.

Ofoyeju said the suspects claimed they took to cannabis cultivation as a result of poverty and the negative influence of friends.

He said Ajeh was found cultivating a cannabis farm measuring 0.068011 hectares, with an estimated yield of approximately 170.03kg of cannabis, while Nonso was found with a larger plot measuring 0.476081 hectares, with an estimated yield of 1,190.20kg.

“Together, the two farms measured 0.544092 hectares, yielding a combined total of 1,360.23kg of cannabis sativa. In addition, processed cannabis recovered at the farm includes 107kg, including cannabis seeds.

“The operation underscores the relentless commitment to combating drug abuse and trafficking in Edo State.

“Let this operation serve as a strong warning to those who see our forests and farmlands as bases for criminal enterprise. The NDLEA Edo State Command will not rest until cannabis cultivation is rooted out of our communities.

“We are combining intelligence-driven surveillance, community engagement, and decisive enforcement in this campaign,” the commander stated.

Ofoyeju expressed the command’s commitment to addressing the drug problem in the state, adding, “This operation is not just a show of our capability but also reflects our unwavering determination to protect our communities from the harms of drug abuse and trafficking.

“We will continue to collaborate with armed forces and other stakeholders to dismantle drug networks and reduce the impact of these illicit substances on our society,” he stated.

He further thanked the Commanding Officer, Nigeria Army 4 Brigade, Brig. Gen. Ahmed Balogun, for supporting drug enforcement efforts in the state.

He stressed that the command would intensify its partnership with traditional rulers, community leaders and sister security agencies in Esan South-East and other affected areas.

He also appealed to residents to provide timely information that could lead to the arrest of other members of the cannabis networks. (The PUNCH)